Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<June 2007 Hawaii 4 season maui - pool bar $12 for a diet coke with a twist of lime.>> That kinda 'splains it. But I still wouldn't do it. I have checked into places like that with a six pack of Coke (see, maybe I am part redneck!) <<and my wife wouldnt let me look at the bill from Spago>> I have never looked at a bill there either. I've either been there for private parties when the food was free or have had friends and family pick up the tab. (Yep, I just may be a redneck! WOO-HOO I dunno why that Palin chick lives in Alaska because with a body like that she should live somewhere HOT!!!)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Don't go there! They don't have a condiment bar.>> Got news for you. Those aren't going to be at WDW much longer. Too many people struggling to pay for trips, Disney gouging on F&B, people making meals out of them ... they won't be there long (I know they've already removed them form 2-3 locations).
Originally Posted By vbdad55 ^^^^^^^^^^^^ however I just explained why I do --I love my Disney fix ( and yes I do get to DL every so many years also) - but WDW is a destination for me - it is an escape from the stress hell that is my day to day job. I do not want to travel off site to find the 'best deal' - I live that kind of live 50 weeks a year -- I do not want it invading my vacation. I want to either drive 5 mins to the parking lot at EPCOT or even take the damn bus - and stroll thru a place that for me represents stress free environment - and have a meal outside at Rose & Crown and watch the fireworks - or eat at the Biergarten and enjoy a Flower Power concert. I do not count $ and cents while there - I need an escape from that. My guess is there are many others just like me. You live in FLorida - my last month we did not have one day over 32 degrees- 15 days where it was below zero - and all the crap that goes with that .... for me being able to just take my freakin time and stroll in warm weather thru a faux world is worth anything. Maybe I am exactly the customer they want - but I make no apologies for it. When ny 2 weeks at WDW and Vero Beach are over - the next 50 are 60-70 hour a week circus's of dealing with all of the problems of business as well as those of raising kids. So no, for those 2 weeks I am not a wise consumer...but I am a happy consumer...and at prices not that different from home. I do not relax like that when I travel other places. Being a type A personality I always feel I am missing something - like a trip to Austria/Germany where I was more tired when I got home then when I left...( btw I didn't search for the best deals there either although some hidden gems did appear when realtives took us around) --
Originally Posted By MPierce >> You won't melt away like the wicked witch (her name was Cynthia) if you drive out onto 535. << I thought it was Helen Thomas!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<on that part I will agree with you- I do not do counter service @ WDW. Again I didn't travel there for a generic burger...>> Go to Fulton's ... still part of the magic (kinda) ... GREAT burger for only $9.99 and as an APer it'll cost you $8 ... with no filler, quality beef, cheese, bacon and fries. Alas, only on the lunch menu, I believe. <<Part of my vacation is sitting down to a table service- take 90 minutes plus to relax nice dinner in WDW. I do not want to travel off the grounds at that point - I want to sit back - soak up the atmosphere once a year... and enjoy. It's family time- or sometimes just my wife and I - a time to really enjoy where we are and why we go there. If I'm gettingouged some compared to what I can get in Orlando proper - so be it. I hate to break it to you but if not for WDW I would not vacation to Orlando....>> I understand it and believe me the folks at WDW who are screwing you over understand it too. When I was in Sequioa last fall at this breathtaking lodge having lunch I remember telling my dining companion that this great gourmet meal with a view to die for would have been the same as two burger baskets at the WL's Roaring Fork where I can watch fat tourists give me dirty looks when they see my 1998 era refillable mug like I'm raping Minnie! I understand why people pay it. I've just reached my breaking point with Disney Dining.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> That kinda 'splains it. But I still wouldn't do it. I have checked into places like that with a six pack of Coke (see, maybe I am part redneck!) << You still need a little practice polishing off the smooth edges. You should have checked in with a case of Shiner. >> I have never looked at a bill there either. I've either been there for private parties when the food was free or have had friends and family pick up the tab. << Sponging off of others is a cultivated Red Neck move. >> (Yep, I just may be a redneck! WOO-HOO I dunno why that Palin chick lives in Alaska because with a body like that she should live somewhere HOT!!!) << Blatant sexism, you're almost there.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<You can, let me introduce you to the Internet Wayback Machine>> oh, wow, thanks! 1995 DINNER at Brown Derby ... most expensive item TWO beef filets for $23.75 (oh yeah, WITH SOUP OR SALAD included) Now, lunch strip steak for $32 a la carte. And love this: <<An Early Value Meal was available between 4:00p.m. and 5:30 p.m. for $15.75 >> Thanks again ....
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<My heart flutters with joy. I would be a lot happier though if I only had to pay WDW prices of 2 years ago that were still gouging me.>> I'd be happier if fans stopped defending Disney's abject greed.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Roaring Fork where I can watch fat tourists give me dirty looks when they see my 1998 era refillable mug like I'm raping Minnie! << My wife said there were all kinds of people using the old mugs there. She only mentioned one CM that looked a little stange at one of the people.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >> You won't melt away like the wicked witch (her name was Cynthia) if you drive out onto 535. << <<I thought it was Helen Thomas!>> You really are a witty minion ... I always saw potential in you ... but it's there ... I know when I head to Tokyo later this year that you'll more than ably fill my shoes (OK, not quite, but you'll do!)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >> That kinda 'splains it. But I still wouldn't do it. I have checked into places like that with a six pack of Coke (see, maybe I am part redneck!) << <<You still need a little practice polishing off the smooth edges. You should have checked in with a case of Shiner.>> I don't have a Four Seasons stay currently booked (hell, my next one might not come until the WDW resort opens) ... but I'll follow your advice! >> I have never looked at a bill there either. I've either been there for private parties when the food was free or have had friends and family pick up the tab. << <<Sponging off of others is a cultivated Red Neck move.>> Thanks. I knew I wasn't a run of the mill redneck, but a more cultivated, spirited one! >> (Yep, I just may be a redneck! WOO-HOO I dunno why that Palin chick lives in Alaska because with a body like that she should live somewhere HOT!!!) << <<Blatant sexism, you're almost there.>> Hey, I'd do her daughter too (didn't everyone in Wasilla?) OK ... am I there yet?
Originally Posted By MPierce >> I'd be happier if fans stopped defending Disney's abject greed. << Give up Don Quixote, it's a losing battle. The Mouse makes the Maharishnah look weak in comparison!
Originally Posted By hopemax This is the one that kills me <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/19990209133320/www.wdn.com/dwills/menu/menu_sf.htm" target="_blank">http://web.archive.org/web/199...u_sf.htm</a> I just love the names. Especially the desserts. Now, how boring! Fresh Fruit Salad Hot Fudge Sundae Apple Crisp Tart Chocolate Tart with a mix of chocolate mousse, fudge and ganache Cheesecake with caramel sauce and treats
Originally Posted By dshyates My next table service meal in Orlando, without a doubt, will be at Ocean Prime up on Sand Lake. I have eaten at the original in Columbus called Mitchell's Ocean Club. When Cameron Mitchell sold 5 of his chains to Ruth's Chris, he agreed to not use the Mitchell's name outside of the Columbus area, so this is the beginning of a new chain. They have opened 5. 3 of which are in FL (Orlando, Tampa, and Miami). I venture to say it is a titch better than the Brown Derby. And I wouldn't really call myself a cheapskate while supping on caviar topped deviled eggs. <a href="http://www.ocean-prime.com/" target="_blank">http://www.ocean-prime.com/</a>
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <<<My heart flutters with joy. I would be a lot happier though if I only had to pay WDW prices of 2 years ago that were still gouging me.>> I'd be happier if fans stopped defending Disney's abject greed. < just so you understand, I am not defending them, I am just saying the effect on someone who travels from where I do is certainly not as noticeable... do I believe they gouge ? Sure- they always did , from Mickey ears up thru collectibles... The onyl difference today is so does everyone else- and few offer the refugre they do. That does not mean I don't recognize it, does not mean I wouldn't want lower prices....more service employees, a stronger maintenance schedule etc- sure I do. I can only explain how it affects me- and to some extent people who live near me who pay the fees that the State of Illinois gouges us on - every day of every year - so we can line the pockets of people like Gov Blago....Mayor Daley and the rest of the Democratic Machine here in Illinois. We pay the highest in so many categories already ( and usually get nothing in return) I am just stating that is why the effect on me of the gouging at WDW is watered down. It's not that I don't understand your points- I certainly do. over the years I watched my company sell typewriter fonts ( back in the day) that cost 13 cents to produce for $30. 30+ years in corporate life and it takes a lot to upset me I guess.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Fair enough - as long as you understand why I haven't ( yet)>> Oh, I do understand. And I won't make you jealous by telling you it was a beach day today even by Floridian standards! I am hoping it holds out and I can go Saturday! So, yeah, I get what you're saying ... but I just refuse to be gouged ... and unless people start complaining and are vocal about it (in person, email and phone ... they hate that!) it won't change. But I seem to recall you offering me a tamarind filet on you about five price increases ago ... I think I'll take you up on it soon!
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Hey, I'd do her daughter too (didn't everyone in Wasilla?) OK ... am I there yet? << By jove I think he's got it!
Originally Posted By MPierce >> And I wouldn't really call myself a cheapskate while supping on caviar topped deviled eggs. << Culinary Snob!
